Your home insurance policy consists of several coverages which may assist in paying to repair or replace your home and belongings should a covered peril cause damage or destroy them. One of these coverages is Other Structures coverage, otherwise known as Coverage B on your homeowners insurance policy, which is typically the second line item on your policy declarations page. Other Structures coverage protects physical structures which are on your property and not attached to your home. Watch the video below as Florida Peninsula’s Penny provides additional information on Coverage B, Other Structures Coverage:
What Other Structures are covered?
A standard Florida Peninsula policy defines Coverage B as: “Other structures on the "residence premises" set apart from the dwelling by clear space. This includes structures connected to the dwelling by only a fence, utility line, or similar connection.” These structures include:
- Fences
- Walls
- Sheds
- Swimming pools
- Detached garages/carports
Florida Peninsula policyholders whose home possess a screen enclosure are automatically extended coverage under Coverage B. Screen enclosure coverage is not always an industry standard, but an added benefit to our policyholders.
How much other structures coverage do you need?
As we have seen over the past few Hurricane Seasons, repairing and replacing structures on your property such as a fence or shed can be quite costly. As such, you want to make sure you have adequate coverage. When determining your coverage B limits, it is important you survey your property and determine how many “other structures” you have on your property, their material type, and an average idea of what it would cost to replace them should the unexpected occur. For example, should high winds from a hurricane knock down your fence, the cost of labor and materials for repairing or replacing a chain-link fence could differ from a concrete fence. Should you not have sufficient coverage, you may be faced with having to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your fence, which could be quite costly. Luckily, your agent can assist you with determining your coverage B limits and answer additional questions you may have regarding the other structures coverage within your policy.
What Other Structures (Coverage B) Does Not Cover
Although Coverage B provides protection for the other structures on your property, it does have some limits. Here are a few examples:
- The contents found in your shed or detached garage which could include equipment, tools, supplies, etc. These items are typically covered under your personal property coverage.
- Coverage B excludes the same perils as your dwelling insurance. These perils would include earthquakes, normal wear and tear, negligence, or flooding just to name a few. Remember, flooding is not included within your standard homeowners policy, for flood coverage, you will need flood insurance.
Each insurance policy and insurance carrier offer different limits on their coverages. It is important you understand what is covered within your homeowners insurance policy. When it comes to your coverage B limits, we encourage you to review your current home insurance policy, survey your property, and contact your agent should you have any questions or need to make any changes. Florida Peninsula is also here to help our policyholders, contact us at 877-229-2244.
